The Tribune

FREEPORT – A 34-year-old Eight Mile Rock man was charged with the murder of 15-year-old Alexis Aliea Smith, who was shot dead outside a nightclub in Eight Mile Rock last Sunday.

Basil Black, a resident of Pinedale, appeared in the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court on Friday before Magistrate Gwen Claude.

It is alleged that on March 30, at Eight Mile Rock, the accused intentionally caused the death of Smith, a minor, by means of unlawful harm.

Black was not represented by counsel. He was not required to enter a plea to the murder charge.

Police were called shortly after 3am on March 30 about a shooting at the Platinum Lounge in the King’s Subdivision. When officers arrived, Smith was found lying outside with gunshot injuries.

Her death is the island’s third homicide for 2014.

In addition to the murder charge, Black was also charged with three other offences, including two counts of assault against a police officer and one count of resisting arrest. He pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The matters were adjourned and he was remanded to Her Majesty’ Prison in Nassau until July 3 when a preliminary inquiry will be held.

A number of Eight Mile Rock residents had gathered outside the Magistrate’s Court Building in Jones Town to get a glimpse of Black.

As he was being escorted from the courthouse following his arraignment, persons shouted “murderer!” as Black made a fuss about persons taking his photo and posting it on Facebook.